Community Participation Key to NNOAC Success

Dear Editor,

This year marked the 27th annual nationwide event of National Night Out. The originator of the concept was Matt A. Peskin, Executive Direc-tor of National Association of Town Watch, a non-profit crime prevention organization.

In speaking of the goal of NNO, Peskin said, “It’s a wonderful opportunity for communities nationwide to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie. While the one night is certainly not an answer to crime, drugs and violence, National Night Out does represent the kind of spirit, energy and determination that is helping to make many neighborhoods safer places throughout the year. It [NNO] is a night to celebrate safety and crime prevention successes - and to expand and strengthen programs for the next 364 days.”

In the 101 Precinct, the night’s activities included: DJ music by Police Officer Greg Lomangino, who did an excellent job of keeping the positive energy going; two basketball games with Isaac Parsee’s Team Deuce and Det. Carl Robinson’s Juvenile Robbery Interdiction Program (J-RIP) youth; a Lacrosse clinic by Richard Washington; an inflatable ride; singing by the Church of God Striving Youth; information from varied agencies, Addabbo Clinic, and St. John’s Hospital; crime prevention by Police Officer Garafola; a Proclamation from the Mayor’s Office was presented to Captain Li- Petri and Justin Cauley, Community Council President; and of course hot dogs, hamburgers and cold drinks were in abundance.

The event could not have been a success without the deliberate participation of our community. There were enough roles for everyone to be inolved. Some volunteered, some donated, and some rendered solidarity by just showing up.

There was a great deal of organized planning, with immeasurable support from Sgt. David Holloway, Community Affairs One Police Plaza, and Police Officers Maurice Roper and Kevin Campbell, 101 Precinct Community Affairs. We look forward to building on this year’s success. 101 Precinct Community Council meets monthly on the third Wednesday at Beth Abram Adult Health Care, 1821 Cornaga Avenue at 6:30 p.m.